Sound Dogs is celebrating a decade of letting the good times roll.
The band first got together for practice on November 29 in 2010.
Back then, the group comprised John Collins, Warwick Strang, Mike and Maddie Linten.
Mike had already been drumming for Brian Thomas, filling in when Pat Cunliffe was unable to do a gig, which were held mainly at Port Shepstone Country Club, the old Pepper Pots (now Umthunzi) and Kapenta Bay Hotel.
At that first practice, a number of names were bandied around.
Maddie fancied The Pound Dogs, but with a little help from Rita Carter, they decided on The Sound Dogs.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
The only regret, perhaps, was that John Collins left the band after only a few weeks, having never performed on stage with them.
The Dogs then became a three-piece rock ‘n roll band, with Warwick on lead guitar and vocals, Mike on drums and Maddie on bass and backing vocals.
Their first live performance was at Sayidi’s Restaurant on April 27, 2011.
The trio went on to play at many venues, from Marina Beach to Hibberdene and further afield.
They were also the anchor band for The Rock in their early years.
Harmonicist Pete Ridley joined the band in 2013.
They continued to play at various venues, with a highlight being the Margate Razzle, where Pete brought his sweet harmonic sounds to complete the music, and along with the golden voice of Craig Jack Lewis it proved to be a most successful gig.
Sadly, Pete passed away in 2018 and is sorely missed by all who knew him.
Ley Payne joined the band in 2014 as rhythm and lead guitar support for Warwick.
The four were joined at various gigs by other musicians, for the odd song here and there, notably David Marks, and more recently, Wayne Coughlan.
In 2015, the band was honoured to play a gig in Kokstad to celebrate the 125th birthday of Kokstad Rugby Club, the oldest rugby club in the province.
Ian Stewart joined them for the occasion and it was a huge success.
Warwick Strang left the band at the end of 2016 to pursue a solo musical career.
It was a huge loss, but there had been many fun times together over the six years he was involved.
Ley Payne then took over on lead guitar and vocals, accompanied for a short time by Pete Barker.
Dave Freese joined the band on rhythm and vocals in March this year, along with Ian Stewart, also rhythm and vocals.
The Dogs were delighted to welcome them both to the kennel.
They had a lot of people to thank in terms of support and encouragement, especially Graham McGill, Pat Cunliffe and Brian Thomas.
They also thanked all the many people at the many venues they have played at, including of course, their faithful and loyal supporters.
It’s made all the hard work, the sore fingers and late nights all worthwhile.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
